These are some of the ways Americans are feeling the impacts of climate change, and the risks ahead, according to the government assessment released Tuesday:

Weather

Global temperatures are rising, accelerating since 1970. That means longer frost-free growing seasons, changes in rain and snow patterns, more frequent and stronger heat waves, and more floods and droughts. The human influence on worsening hurricanes and other severe storms is still uncertain.

Human health

Rising temperatures will mean more heat-related deaths, asthma and spreads of infectious diseases, while longer pollen seasons will burden people who have allergies. Children, the elderly, the poor and some racial minority communities are especially vulnerable.

Agriculture

Crops and livestock are feeling the impact as some regions face increasingly hot and dry droughts while other areas have degraded soils from increased rain. Climate change brings stress from weeds, diseases and pests. Corn and soybean harvests suffer during hotter summers.

Energy

Gasoline shortages after Hurricane Sandy and natural gas shortages this winter showed how climate extremes can harm delivery of energy supplies. Oil and gas operations require more water as production increases, which in many parched areas puts increased pressure on the agriculture industry and other major water users.

Transportation

Coastal infrastructure — including ports, railroads and tunnels — are threatened by sea-level rise and strengthening storm surges. Inland transportation systems are threatened by changing rain and snow patterns and extreme weather. One small benefit: The warming Arctic is opening new potential shipping lanes.